If the engine in your Chrysler 300 is going out, you might have to replace it.
Whether that’s because of a seized engine, consistent power loss, or engine problems that are just getting worse, replacing it might be the best option.
Of course, you can also opt to rebuild your engine, but costs can be higher to rebuild than to replace your engine. The Chrysler 300 also usually has a Hemi engine, which can be expensive to replace.
The average cost of replacing a Chrysler 300 engine is $5,500-$6,500 including parts and labor. A new Chrysler 300 engine, the Spartan Hemi, costs an average of $4,300 – although your technician may add a premium to that.
However, they go up to over $8,000 just for parts. And, you can expect to pay $1,500-$4,500 in labor.
The table below shows a quick price comparison of Chrysler 300 engine replacement cost estimates from reputable suppliers.
| Supplier | Engine | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Pep Boys | $4,530-$9,129 | $1,449-$3,000 |
| AutoZone | $2,848.99-$8,225 | NA |
| Advanced Autoparts | $3,500-$8,900 | NA |
| Dealer | $5,600-9,800 | $4,000+ |
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How Much Does Chrysler 300 Engine Replacement Cost?*
In most cases, the largest cost factors in replacing a Chrysler 300 engine are the cost of the engine and the cost of labor. For example, it will likely take 8-15 hours to replace a short block or long block engine.
Of course, you can also purchase a “crate” hemi engine for your Chrysler, dropping labor to about 4 hours – but you’ll increase the cost of the engine to over $10,000, so it might not be all that cost-saving.
| Vehicle | Engine Cost | Labor Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 Chrysler 300 2.7 | $2,750-$4,850 | $1,520-$3,750 |
| 2005 Chrysler 300 5.6 | $3,545-$6,817 | $1,615-$4,178 |
| 2008 Chrysler 300 6.1 | $3,831-$8,997 | $1,450-$4,311 |
| 2013 Chrysler 300 5.7 | $3,411-$4,882 | $1,278-$4,517 |
| 2014 Chrysler 300 3.6 | $2,465-$5,795 | $1,261-$4,278 |
| 2006 Chrysler 300 5.7 | $3,099-$9,233 | $1,720-$4,370 |
| 2009 Chrysler 300 3.0 | $2,540-$7,589 | $1,302-$4,120 |
| 2010 Chrysler 300 6.1 | $3,531-$9,945 | $1,560-$4,420 |
| 2011 Chrysler 300 6.4 | $3,380-$8,520 | $1,699-$4,347 |
| 2012 Chrysler 300 3.0 | $2,859-$10,598 | $1,984-$4,562 |
*Note: Prices are estimates and were correct at the time of writing (June 2023). Cost estimates may have changed since, our figures should be used as a starting point for your own research
What Engine Does The Chrysler 300 Have?
The Chrysler 300 has 9 different engines available in the United States and a few additional ones on international markets. The most famous of these is the Spartan hemi.
However, the Chrysler 300 comes with a 3 liter, a 2.7 liter, and a 3.5 as well as two different 3-liter turbodiesel V6 options. Therefore, you’ll actually have to check which engine is in your car before pricing the replacement.
Generation 1 (2005-2010)
- 2.7 l EER V6
- 3.5 L EGG V6
- 5.7 l EZB Hemi V8
- 6.1 L ESF Hemi V8
- 3.0 L OM642 turbodiesel V6
Generation 2 (2011-2014)
- 3.6 L Pentastar V6
- 5.7 L Hemi V8
- 6.5 L Hemi V8
- 3.0 L VM A630 turbodiesel V6
Most people with engine failure in a Chrysler 300 will have a generation 1 car at the time of writing, because those cars are at an age when the engine is likely to fail. If you have a generation two car, your engine is probably in better shape and easier to repair.
Chrysler 300 Engine Replacement Price Factors
The cost of repairing your Chrysler 300 engine will depend on a few factors, including how you buy the engine and what you pay for labor.
Which Engine You Buy
There are roughly 4 different engines that should fit into your Chrysler engine chassis. Therefore, you’ll have different options.
Ideally, you replace the engine with the same engine you took out, otherwise, you’ll have to adapt the engine compartment. However, the lower power engines typically cost less. The V6 and V8 engines cost more – but deliver more power.
Short Block or Long Block
A short block is a great choice if your cylinders are still in good shape and you mostly just have to replace the engine block. On the other hand, a long block is a better call if you’ve having major issues with gaskets, rod knock, or leaks.
However, the long block can cost several thousand more than the short block. And, if you want to buy the engine basically “ready to install” with all fuel injectors and parts installed, you’ll want a “Crate” engine which will cost over $10,000.
Condition of the Engine
The Chrysler 300 is close to 20 years old. This means you’ll have plenty of options to choose from used, remanufactured, or new engines.
The first option is the cheapest and might even be available for around $1,000 at a scrapyard. However, there will be no guarantee and no way to know that the engine doesn’t also have issues.
On the other hand, you can opt for a remanufactured engine, which has likely been resurfaced and had the hoses and gaskets replaced. Here, costs typically start from about $3,500. However, you might even get a warranty with the remanufactured engine.
Most Chrysler engines are also just available new. However, you won’t typically get one for under $10,000. And, if you’re buying from the dealer, costs may be even higher.
Age of the Car
The older your car, the cheaper parts should be for it. However, that may also translate into paying a bit more for labor.
And, if your engine is hard to find, it may not be cheaper.
Cost of Labor
You can count on about 8-15 hours of labor to replace a long or short block engine. On the other hand, if you buy a new crate engine, you’ll probably pay for about 5 hours of labor.
Depending on where you go, that can dramatically impact the cost of your engine swap. For example, a Chrysler dealer is likely to charge you about $120+ per hour for labor. Your general mechanic is more likely to be $50-$70 but may be higher depending on your location. And a chain shop like Midas will probably start at around $95 per hour.
5 Signs Of A Bad Chrysler Engine
If your Chrysler’s engine is going out, you’ll notice.
However, figuring out when it’s time to replace instead of repair will often depend on your technician.
1. Significant Engine Issues
Significant engine issues can mean it’s time to replace your engine.
For example, if you have frequent oil leaks and coolant leaks, if your coolant keeps mixing with the oil, if you’re seeing white or blue smoke in the exhaust, if your gaskets keep failing, if you keep having symptoms of a head gasket leak, or if you’re losing power and using more gas, despite having fixed issues.
All of these can mean it’s time for major engine work. In this case, you can typically opt for a simple rebuild. Here, you dismantle everything, resurface parts, replace seals and gaskets, and put everything back together.
That job can take 22-40+ hours of work. It also often costs more than replacing the engine.
2. Major Wear and Tear
Major wear and tear to the engine can mean that the parts in question have just lived out their lifespan. Engines are made of durable materials, but they create a lot of friction and heat.
Over time, even the toughest materials start to wear away. Your engine might get noisy, leaky, and inefficient simply because there’s more space between the parts than there should be. And, replacing some of those parts equates to replacing the engine.
Consistent knocks, rattles, and a louder engine are usually good signs that this is the case.
3. Fused Rods and Bearings
If you threw a bearing and it fused to the rod or the cylinder or worse, the engine case, you’ll probably have to replace it. That means at least replacing the cylinder case. Worst case, you’ll have to replace the full long block.
Of course, it might also be possible to rip the engine out, resurface the engine block, and then replace the cylinders or the crank. However, this can cost as much or more than replacing the full engine, so it might not be the best call.
4. Engine is Seized
If your engine is seized, you’ll have to either take it apart and try to fix it or buy a new one. In this case, it might not even be an option to repair the engine, because you typically have to rotate the engine to take it apart.
Therefore, you might be forced into choosing to replace the engine.
5. Repairs Cost More than a New Engine
If you can’t repair the engine for less than you can replace it, it’s usually a good idea to simply replace it.
The new engine will be in better condition, will have new gaskets, and will likely have a warranty attached.
How Do You Replace A Chrysler Engine?
Replacing an engine is an extremely difficult and time-consuming process that most people cannot do. In addition, you’ll need a hoist or lift, which you can typically rent.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can expect the job to take 30-40 hours.
Things you’ll need
- Hoist or cherry picker
- Engine lift bracket
- Floor jacks and jack stands or car lift (Chrysler 300 engines have to be unbolted from underneath)
- Wrench set
- Breaker bar
- Shop towels
- Disposable gloves
- Ratchet set with sockets and deep sockets
- Pully puller
- Drain pans
- Replacement fluids (Coolant, engine oil, brake fluid)
- Line wrenches
- Service manual for your year and engine Chrysler 300
- Remove the hood.
- Follow your service manual and relieve the fuel pressure.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
- Disconnect the battery negative cable.
- Undo the air cleaner resonator and duct work as a single assembly.
- Undo the cowl top panel.
- Drain the coolant.
- Remove the serpentine/accessory drive belt.
- Take the fan shroud off the radiator.
- Unbolt the AC compressor, leave the lines attached, and push it out of the way.
- Detach the generator support bracket and remove the alternator/generator.
- Take off the intake manifold.
- Detach the ground wires from each cylinder head.
- Disconnect the cylinder hoses.
- Remove the power steering pump and leave it connected to the hoses, out of the way.
- Disconnect the fuel supply line.
- Drain the engine oil.
- Remove the belly pan.
- Either jack up and stabilize the vehicle or put it on a lift.
- Remove the engine front mount.
- Take off the transmission oil cooler lines.
- Disconnect the exhaust pipe.
- Remove the starter motor.
- Then remove the torque converter access cover.
- Undo the drive plate to converter bolts.
- Loosen and remove the transmission bell housing to engine block bolts.
- If you were using a lift, lower the vehicle. Fit the engine block lift, separate the engine from the transmission by removing the bolts, and remove the engine.
- Install the new engine in reverse steps, ensuring that you support the engine with a cherry picker or hoist while putting in the bolts.
If you have an AWD, the process is slightly different. Refer to your service manual for those steps.
Always make sure you test your car using idle and allow fluids to settle so you can check for leaks.
Closing
If your Chrysler 300’s engine is going out, it will be an expensive fix. While you can opt for a rebuild, that can cost more than replacing the engine, as you’ll often pay for 40 hours of work (which can be over $8,000). However, you can typically get a new Chrysler 300 engine for as little as $3,500, plus the cost of installation, which starts at about $1,500 and goes up to about $4,500 depending on where you go.
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